7A Running Backs Poised for Breakout Seasons

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season over, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.   These players are all talented and have college-level abilities. Some of these players have a few offers, but all of them have the ability to play college football at some level.   There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks for the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.   Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.   Jayden Rodriguez – RB, Celebration High (c/o 2027) Height/Weight: 5'5”, 170 lbs Season Stats: 80 carries for 342 yards and 1 TD   Scouting Report: Rodriguez is a compact, quick-footed runner who plays with good effort and toughness. He shows solid lateral agility and is comfortable operating in tight spaces, using sharp cuts to avoid clean contact. Despite his size, he competes hard between the tackles and finishes runs with determination.   Analysis: Rodriguez projects as a change-of-pace back who can contribute with quickness and energy. Expanding his role in the passing game and improving explosive play output will help elevate his impact, but his motor and shiftiness provide a useful foundation at the varsity level.   Kendrick Major – RB, Lehigh High (c/o 2027) Height/Weight: N/A Season Stats: 69 carries for 362 yards and 1 TD   Scouting Report: Major is a downhill runner who shows patience behind the line of scrimmage and runs with good pad level. He demonstrates the ability to find creases and get positive yardage consistently, even when blocking breaks down. His running style leans more physical than flashy.   Analysis: Major projects as a depth back who can handle carries in a rotation. Increasing his burst through the hole and finishing speed at the second level will raise his ceiling, but his reliability and willingness to take tough yards are clear strengths.   Clyde Ward – RB/OLB, Palm Beach Lakes High (c/o 2027) Height/Weight: 6'2”, 200 lbs Season Stats: 56 carries for 278 yards and 5 TDs   Scouting Report: Ward brings a strong, athletic frame and runs with authority when used in the backfield. He shows good straight-line speed for his size and is effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His physicality stands out, reflecting his two-way impact on the field.   Analysis: Ward projects as a versatile athlete who can contribute as a power back or situational runner. Continued development of vision and lateral quickness will help maximize his offensive value, but his size, strength, and scoring efficiency already make him a matchup problem.   Gianni Flore – RB, Newsome High (c/o 2027) Height/Weight: 5'10”, 210 lbs Season Stats: 88 carries for 408 yards and 4 TDs   Scouting Report: Flore is a sturdy, well-built runner who excels as a downhill presence. He runs with good balance and keeps his legs driving through contact, making him difficult to bring down on first contact. He shows reliable vision and consistently falls forward for extra yards.   Analysis: Flore projects as a dependable early-down back who can control tempo and wear down defenses. Adding more explosiveness and expanded usage in the passing game would increase his versatility, but his physical running style and consistency already translate well to the next level.

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season over, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.